Acupuncture as a PRP Alternative
PRP Injection Treatment
Should You Consider Acupuncture Before PRP Injections?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been making waves in the world of pain management and tissue repair, promising relief and recovery through a seemingly innovative approach. However, with the research on PRP showing mixed results and the procedure not being covered by insurance in many cases due to its questionable efficacy, one might wonder if it's just the latest expensive fad. Here's a closer look at PRP and why exploring acupuncture and dry needling first might make sense.
Understanding PRP and Efficacy
PRP therapy involves drawing a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate platelets and growth factors, and then reinjecting it into the injured area to ostensibly promote healing. While this sounds promising and high-tech, the evidence supporting PRP's effectiveness is mixed depending on the condition being treated. Studies show it might have some benefit in specific applications like tendon injuries or osteoarthritis, but results vary widely. The inconsistency in findings has left the medical community divided, with PRP not being universally endorsed as a treatment method. This uncertainty is why insurance companies often refuse to cover PRP, leaving patients to pay out of pocket for a procedure that can cost upwards of $1,000 (range of $500-2,500). It may also be considered a preventative treatment in some cases, which is another thing insurance companies don’t like to pay for.
A significant challenge within the realm of PRP therapy is the lack of a unified approach regarding doses and preparation methods. The field suffers from an absence of an agreed-upon classification system that would delineate the specifics of PRP preparations, including their characteristics, definitions, and terminologies. Such a standardized framework is crucial for tailoring PRP treatments to the unique needs of patients and ensuring that therapeutic decisions are informed and effective. This gap in standardization complicates the process of determining the most appropriate PRP therapy for individual conditions, highlighting a critical area for development in the field.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining traction as a promising treatment option for various musculoskeletal disorders, including tendon, ligament, muscle, and cartilage injuries. Strong evidence supports its effectiveness for conditions like lateral epicondylitis, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, with promising outcomes for other musculoskeletal issues as well. Despite its growing use and minimal side effects, further large-scale randomized clinical trials are crucial to solidify PRP's efficacy and safety across a broader spectrum of disorders.
A comprehensive 2023 study on Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for osteoarthritis (OA) underscores PRP's efficacy in mitigating pain, particularly in knee, temporomandibular, and ankle OA, albeit with limited success in hip OA cases. Highlighting that leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) is more beneficial in alleviating pain symptoms compared to leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP), the study emphasizes PRP's potential in enhancing functional activity with minimal safety concerns. Nonetheless, the analysis reveals a need for larger, more detailed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to fine-tune PRP injection protocols and fully ascertain long-term benefits, acknowledging the variance in PRP preparations and doses as a limitation in current research.
The Needle Effect: Substance or Technique?
One fascinating aspect of PRP injections is the so-called "needle effect" – the phenomenon where the act of inserting a needle, regardless of what is injected, can produce therapeutic benefits. This raises the question: are the observed benefits of PRP due to the platelet-rich plasma itself, or could they stem from the needle's stimulation of the body's healing processes, much like acupuncture? This ambiguity further underscores the need for patients to consider less invasive and more cost-effective options before opting for PRP.
"The Needle Effect" study delves into the practice of dry needling as a method for alleviating chronic myofascial pain, presenting compelling evidence that the therapeutic impact derives not from the substances injected but from the act of needle puncture itself. The research involved 241 patients and targeted 312 sites of pain, revealing that upon accurate needle contact with the most painful area, an astounding 86.8% of cases experienced immediate pain relief without any loss of sensation. The study followed the outcomes at these pain sites, finding that needling offered permanent tenderness relief in 92 cases, several months of relief in 58 cases, weeks in 63 cases, and days in 32 cases, out of the 288 sites monitored for follow-up. Crucially, the study highlighted that the success of this treatment hinges on both the intensity of pain elicited at the trigger point and the precision in locating and needling the exact site of maximum tenderness. This phenomenon of immediate pain alleviation through needling was aptly termed the "needle effect," suggesting a significant paradigm shift in understanding and utilizing needle-based therapy for chronic pain management.
Acupuncture: A Viable, Lower-Cost Alternative
Enter acupuncture and dry needling, established treatment methods with a continually growing body of scientific research supporting their efficacy in pain management and tissue healing. Unlike PRP, acupuncture involves the strategic placement of fine needles to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms, improve blood flow, and modulate the nervous system. Dry needling uses the same acupuncture needles to target myofascial trigger points to relieve pain and muscle tension. Both practices offer a non-pharmacological approach to managing pain and enhancing recovery, often at a fraction of the cost of a single PRP injection.
Building on the insights of the "needle effect," acupuncture emerges as a traditional form of needle-based therapy that harnesses this very principle to address various forms of pain and discomfort. Similar to the immediate analgesic response noted in dry needling, acupuncture induces a needle effect by stimulating specific points on the body, promoting the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that mitigate pain and facilitate healing. The precise placement of acupuncture needles at targeted points, akin to the pinpointing of pain spots in dry needling, is fundamental to eliciting this therapeutic response. This shared mechanism underscores the intrinsic value of the needle effect in both practices, highlighting acupuncture's role in not only offering relief from chronic pain but also in activating the body's innate healing processes through strategic needle insertion.
Acupuncture vs PRP
The evidence for acupuncture and dry needling is established, with numerous studies highlighting their effectiveness in treating conditions like chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and sports injuries – some of the same conditions PRP aims to address. Moreover, acupuncture is known for its broad therapeutic effects, including reducing inflammation, alleviating stress, and improving overall well-being, making it a comprehensive treatment option for those seeking relief from various ailments.
In a comparative study between PRP injections and acupuncture for treating knee osteoarthritis, both treatments showed significant improvements in symptoms, pain scores, range of motion, and quality of life according to the WOMAC index and VAS score. Notably, acupuncture demonstrated a slightly more pronounced effect in improving the WOMAC index than PRP injections, although this difference wasn't statistically significant.
This finding suggests that acupuncture could be as effective as PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis management. Given the comparative effectiveness of both treatments, the choice between acupuncture and PRP injections can be tailored to the patient's specific condition. The study underscores the importance of further research to explore the long-term effects and potential recurrence of symptoms between these treatments, highlighting acupuncture's potential as a more cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to PRP injections in the management of knee osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture has been suggested to potentially influence the same growth factors associated with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, offering a less invasive alternative for individuals seeking pain relief and tissue repair. Research into acupuncture’s mechanisms suggests that it may stimulate the body’s production of key growth factors such as PDGF, TGF, VEGF, and others integral to the healing process highlighted in PRP therapy. This indicates that acupuncture could serve as a complementary or alternative approach by naturally promoting the body's healing processes, affecting inflammation reduction, tissue regeneration, and pain relief without the need for direct injections or the high costs associated with PRP treatments. While more studies are needed to fully understand the extent of acupuncture’s impact on these growth factors, preliminary evidence points to its potential as a viable, cost-effective treatment option in the management of various conditions that PRP also aims to address.
Acupuncture May Enhance Effects of PRP
Acupuncture and dry needling, through their needle effect, may serve as complementary therapies to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, potentially enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of PRP treatments. By stimulating specific points and trigger point zones, these needle-based therapies can improve local blood circulation and facilitate the recruitment of growth factors and stem cells to the injured or diseased area. This could theoretically amplify the regenerative processes initiated by PRP, thereby accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation more effectively. Furthermore, the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture and dry needling could provide immediate relief post-PRP injection, making the recovery process smoother and potentially improving the overall effectiveness of PRP treatments in conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and muscle strains.
Overview of PRP Therapy
PRP Therapy: An Overview of Costs, Benefits, and Alternatives
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has surged in popularity across various medical and aesthetic fields, offering promising results in tissue healing and regrowth. However, with mixed research results and considerable costs, it's essential to explore all aspects, including viable alternatives like acupuncture and dry needling.
What is PRP?
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a treatment that utilizes a patient's own blood components to stimulate healing and regeneration in damaged tissues. This innovative approach has found applications ranging from sports injuries, like PRP injection knee treatments, to cosmetic enhancements, including PRP platelet-rich plasma hair loss therapies. The procedure involves concentrating platelets from the blood and injecting them into affected areas to accelerate the body's natural healing processes.
PRP shows promise for treating a variety of medical conditions, from sports injuries to cosmetic enhancements. However, despite its widespread use and potential benefits, the medical community acknowledges a pressing need for more extensive, large-scale randomized clinical trials to conclusively determine its effectiveness across different treatments.
What is Microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP, often termed the 'vampire facial,' combines the rejuvenating effects of microneedling with the healing powers of PRP. This dual approach enhances skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance by creating micro-injuries with a microneedling device, then applying PRP to the area to promote rapid healing and cellular growth. The popularity of microneedling PRP treatments near me reflects its effectiveness in addressing various skin concerns, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional cosmetic procedures.
PRP Cost / Cost for PRP
The cost of PRP injections can vary widely based on the treatment area, the practitioner's expertise, and geographic location. PRP injection costs can range from $500 to $2,500 per session, with most patients requiring multiple treatments for optimal results. For instance, the cost for PRP therapy in cosmetic applications like microneedling with PRP can differ from PRP injections targeting knee pain or hair loss, reflecting the tailored approach of each treatment.
Is PRP Covered by Insurance?
One of the critical considerations for patients exploring PRP treatments is whether these procedures are covered by insurance. Currently, PRP therapy is often not covered by insurance due to its classification as experimental for many conditions. As such, patients seeking PRP treatments near me should consult their insurance plans and discuss payment options with their providers.
Considering PRP Alternatives: Acupuncture and Dry Needling
For those wary of the costs and mixed efficacy associated with PRP, acupuncture and dry needling present lower-cost, minimally invasive alternatives. Unlike PRP, which may require a significant financial investment and lacks consistent insurance coverage, acupuncture and dry needling offer therapeutic benefits backed by centuries of use and modern research, respectively. These techniques can address similar issues as PRP, such as pain relief and tissue healing, without the high costs or extensive procedures involved in PRP injections.
If you are considering PRP injections near me, exploring acupuncture and dry needling may provide a more accessible and equally effective solution. Both alternatives carry fewer side effects and can significantly improve quality of life by managing pain, enhancing recovery, and even stimulating hair growth similar to PRP platelet-rich plasma treatments.
As the medical community continues to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of PRP, patients have options at their disposal. By consulting with healthcare professionals and considering all available treatments, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their health goals and financial constraints, potentially finding that acupuncture and dry needling are the practical, beneficial choices they've been searching for.
While PRP injections might seem like a cutting-edge solution for pain and injury, the mixed research findings and high costs should make patients consider all options before making a decision. While they may be effective in the right situations, there is still a lack of standardization in treatment and dosage protocol meaning that not all PRP is created equal.
Before pursuing an expensive procedure with uncertain outcomes, exploring acupuncture and dry needling presents a logical, evidence-based, and cost-effective alternative. With their proven track record and holistic benefits, these traditional needle-based therapies offer a compelling case for anyone looking to address pain and enhance their body's healing capabilities without breaking the bank.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be interested in learning about acupuncture and dry needling as PRP alternatives.
Appendix:
List of PRP Growth Factors:
PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor): Sourced from platelets and other cells, PDGF is pivotal in stimulating cell growth in various types, including mesenchymal and osteoblasts. It plays a role in healing by promoting cell movement and growth, aiding in collagen management, and enhancing the chemotaxis of macrophages and neutrophils.
TGF (Transforming Growth Factor): Originating from macrophages, T cells, and keratinocytes, TGF aids in the proliferation of undifferentiated cells, impacts the growth of endothelial and osteoblastic cells, and is crucial in collagen regulation. It also plays a key role in angiogenesis and modulates the proliferation of macrophages and lymphocytes.
VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Produced by platelets among others, VEGF is essential for increasing blood vessel formation and permeability, encouraging endothelial cell growth.
EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): Found in platelets and macrophages, EGF stimulates the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts and is involved in endothelial cell mitogenesis.
FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factors): Present in platelets, macrophages, and other cell types, FGF supports the development and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts, along with being mitogenic for mesenchymal cells.
CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth Factor): Sourced from platelets and fibroblasts, CTGF is involved in promoting angiogenesis, cartilage regeneration, fibrosis, and aiding platelet adhesion.
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1): Derived from various cells including platelets, IGF-1 attracts fibroblasts and stimulates protein synthesis, contributing to bone formation and the proliferation of osteoblasts.
HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor): Coming from platelets and mesenchymal cells, HGF is important for regulating growth and movement in epithelial and endothelial cells, aiding in tissue repair and blood vessel formation during healing.
KGF (Keratinocyte Growth Factor): Produced by fibroblasts and mesenchymal cells, KGF is key in regulating the movement and proliferation of epithelial cells.
Ang-1 (Angiopoietin-1): Originating from platelets and neutrophils, Ang-1 is critical in inducing angiogenesis and stabilizing blood vessel development by promoting the interaction between endothelial cells and pericytes.
PF4 (Platelet Factor 4): This factor, coming from platelets, is involved in attracting leucocytes, regulating their activity, and possesses antimicrobial functions.
SDF-1α (Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 alpha): Produced by platelets and other cells, SDF-1α plays a significant role in attracting CD34+ cells, supporting angiogenesis, and influencing the migration and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and leucocytes.
TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor): Generated by macrophages, mast cells, and T lymphocytes, TNF is instrumental in managing monocyte migration, fibroblast proliferation, macrophage activation, and angiogenesis.
Sources:
Lewit K. (1979). The needle effect in the relief of myofascial pain. Pain, 6(1), 83–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3959(79)90142-8
Everts, P., Onishi, K., Jayaram, P., Lana, J. F., & Mautner, K. (2020). Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(20), 7794. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207794
Martínez-Martínez, A., Ruiz-Santiago, F., & García-Espinosa, J. (2018). Platelet-rich plasma: myth or reality?. Plasma rico en plaquetas: ¿mito o realidad?. Radiologia, 60(6), 465–475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rx.2018.08.006
Gupta, S., Paliczak, A., & Delgado, D. (2021). Evidence-based indications of platelet-rich plasma therapy. Expert review of hematology, 14(1), 97–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/17474086.2021.1860002
Xiong, Y., Gong, C., Peng, X., Liu, X., Su, X., Tao, X., Li, Y., Wen, Y., & Li, W. (2023). Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in medicine, 10, 1204144. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1204144
Mahsa Asheghan, Zeinab Jamshidi, Mohammadtaghi Hollisaz, Amidoddin Khatibi Aghda. (2017). “Comparing The Impact of Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Therapy And Acupuncture in The Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis” , International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research, 7(1), pp.42-47 Link
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
Read more from our blog
